(DailyChive.com) – The posthumous return of legendary comic George Carlin has caused an uproar. This week, an hour-long stand-up special titled “George Carlin: I’m Glad I’m Dead” was released, generated by artificial intelligence. Created by comedy AI “Dudesy,” the special quickly drew the ire of Carlin’s daughter, Kelly, who called it a “rape & pillage” of her father’s legacy.
Dudesy, known for its podcast and YouTube show with former “Mad TV” star Will Sasso, claims the special features an AI impersonation of Carlin, similar to a human impressionist. While emphasizing it’s not the real Carlin, the AI tackles topics like gun violence, social media, and even AI itself, all in a voice eerily reminiscent of the iconic comic.
This uncanny resemblance only fueled Kelly Carlin’s criticism. In a scathing statement, she defended her father’s artistry, writing: “My dad poured his life into perfecting his craft, drawing on his human experiences, imagination, and brilliance. No machine can ever replace him.”
Concerned about her father’s legacy, she added: “Let’s support living comedians! There are tons of talented folks out there. And for a genuine George fix, we have his 14 amazing specials readily available.”
On Thursday, her criticism intensified. Kelly accused the creators of “raping & pillaging” her father’s art. This strong phrase resonated with fans, who shared their concerns about the ethical implications of using an artist’s identity without consent, even for an impersonation.
The special has ignited a fierce debate about the intersection of technology and artistry. While some defend Dudesy’s creative freedom, others argue that Carlin’s voice and persona are not to be replicated without his family’s explicit permission.
This controversy spotlights the burgeoning field of AI-generated content, raising critical questions about ownership, consent, and the very definition of originality in a world with increasingly sophisticated digital tools.
Whether the special will be remembered as a clever experiment or a disrespectful exploitation of George Carlin’s legacy remains to be seen. One thing is sure: Kelly Carlin’s passionate defense of her father’s art has ensured that the conversation around “I’m Glad I’m Dead” will continue to reverberate long after the credits roll.
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